Well, we're supposed to be having the occasional team meeting...since we all live so far away, I will post some of the things we need to discuss on here, please comment and let us all know your thoughts, solutions, and ideas! I'll just post some topics to discuss, and things we need to bring...etc.
1) Vehicles: We need TWO vehicles that will each hold 6 people and all their stuff and LOTS of food, ice, and water. I've talked to my parents about borrowing their Suburban, but we'll still need one more.
2) Volunteers: Each team is required to provide THREE volunteers for the race. I have no idea what they'll be doing, but I'm told the sooner we provide this information, the sooner they'll be able to pick their shift (and will be able to avoid working a shift through the night). I think I've already got one down for us...but if you have any friends in Utah that would be willing to help us out...we'd love to have the help!
3) Sleeping Arrangements: We might want to consider finding a place to get a good sleep Thursday night (unless you want to make a long drive before the race starts on Friday morning). Also, once we have an idea of where we'll be during the race (based on each of our paces) we'll need to consider getting some rest. There are a few places provided for us to sleep (on grass) so maybe some blankets, pillows, sleeping bags should be on the packing list. I'll do some more research on this one.
4) Team Uniforms: Shall we pick a color? Logo? And get some shirts screen printed? It will provide us an easy way of finding our runners out on the course! Not to mention the team BONDING that will take place by wearing the same shirts! I'm told that last year it passed the 100 degrees during the afternoon and that it can cool down pretty good at night as well. So, pack accordingly (we'll compile a packing list as it gets closer)
5) During the evening runs, each runner is required to wear a reflective vest at all times (while running) for safety, of course! We are required to provide these for our team. We are required to have one in each vehicle but it would actually be better if each vehicle had two to make the transition between runners quicker and easier. Does anyone own one? If not, we will need to purchase them. I'd like to purchase one for my own running, so I'll get one. Let me know if any of you would like to purchase one. (I'll do some research on these as well)
I'd like to keep a running list (on the bottom of the blog) of things we want to remember to bring with us. Gary will get a kick out of this because I'm the BEST/WORST list maker in the world! I just don't want to forget anything! So, if you have anything to add to it, let me know and I'll get it on there!
That's all for now...more to come! Please let us know your individual thoughts on all of these so I know you've read it...and that I'm not just writing this for nothing. :)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Claiming a leg!
Gary and I really don't want to be the one to decide completely what leg everyone will be running. We think it's just too much pressure and don't want the wrath from any of you!!! But a first come first served might not be the best way to do it either. I've been trying to think it through and really want each of you to run the leg that you feel you'd like to challenge yourself with while keeping in mind the abilities of each of our other team mates! So, if you have some time, take a look HERE you can click on each leg and view a map as well as the elevation for that distance. Please get back to me as soon as you can with your top two or three choices. (Spencer has already asked to be Runner #11)
ONE THING TO KEEP IN MIND: I'll post a bunch more information soon, but want you to keep in mind that we will have two vehicles that will be transporting all runners (except the one that is running at the time). Vehicle #1 will hold runners 1-6 and vehicle #2 will hold runners 7-12 so if you would like to be with a spouse or child during the course of this run, keep that in mind while you pick your runner number!
ONE THING TO KEEP IN MIND: I'll post a bunch more information soon, but want you to keep in mind that we will have two vehicles that will be transporting all runners (except the one that is running at the time). Vehicle #1 will hold runners 1-6 and vehicle #2 will hold runners 7-12 so if you would like to be with a spouse or child during the course of this run, keep that in mind while you pick your runner number!
Calling for all mileage!
I thought it would be a really fun thing to total our training miles while we all triain for the Ragnar! By the time we run our relay, we'll have ran a whole lotta miles together! So, start keeping track by writing your miles down on a calendar each day. Every week or so send me your new total miles ran since January 1, 2008! I'll put them up and continue to update it as you send me updates!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Question
Tara do we email you with our mileage? How are you doing the miles? weekly? The blog looks great!
Monday, January 28, 2008
random running tip
Okay, so here is the first of hopefully more random running tips for all the "fearless runners".
Wear the right shoes and take care of your feet.
You have to have enough room in the "toe box" so that when your feet swell while running long distances, you don't get bruised toenails.
Lace the shoes the way Gary and Tara say!! Gary laced my shoes for me! You don't want your shoes laced too tight. Again your feet need enough room to expand during running.
If your feet feel sore after running, soak them in a bath of epsom salt and baking soda. This helps them to relax.
Happy running!!
Picture this...
You and 11 of your closest friends (family) running day and night, relay-style, through some of the most scenic terrain North America could muster. Add in live bands, inside jokes and a mild case of sleep deprivation. The result? Some call it a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. We call it a Ragnar Relay!!!
Have you all started training? Shown below is a training program provided by the Ragnar Peeps. If you have something else that you'd rather use to train, that's totally fine...as long as you're training! Have you all started?!? Gary and I ran 3 miles on Saturday...it felt GREAT!
Also, the purpose of the creation of this blog is for EVERYONE to post and comment...keep us updated on your training! Tell us how far you ran today - excite and motivate the rest of us! Any questions? - write them here!! If you can't find the email where I invited you to be a contributor, let me know and I'll send it again.
One thing you'll notice on this training program is a couple days in the second half where there are actually two or three runs a day! This is a good thing to try a few times during your training because you will be running THREE times in a 24 hour period! (There is also a more advanced training program HERE)
I hope you are all as excited as I am! I can't tell you that this will be the EASIEST thing you've ever done in life, but I can tell you that it will be one of the most memorable acheivements and an AMAZING experience. I have heard nothing but FABULOUS things about this relay run from many friends, family, and co-workers that have participated in the past (and YES, most are doing it again this year!)
Way to go Spencer and Alexa! They've already started their training!
Love,
Tara
Have you all started training? Shown below is a training program provided by the Ragnar Peeps. If you have something else that you'd rather use to train, that's totally fine...as long as you're training! Have you all started?!? Gary and I ran 3 miles on Saturday...it felt GREAT!
Also, the purpose of the creation of this blog is for EVERYONE to post and comment...keep us updated on your training! Tell us how far you ran today - excite and motivate the rest of us! Any questions? - write them here!! If you can't find the email where I invited you to be a contributor, let me know and I'll send it again.
One thing you'll notice on this training program is a couple days in the second half where there are actually two or three runs a day! This is a good thing to try a few times during your training because you will be running THREE times in a 24 hour period! (There is also a more advanced training program HERE)
I hope you are all as excited as I am! I can't tell you that this will be the EASIEST thing you've ever done in life, but I can tell you that it will be one of the most memorable acheivements and an AMAZING experience. I have heard nothing but FABULOUS things about this relay run from many friends, family, and co-workers that have participated in the past (and YES, most are doing it again this year!)
Way to go Spencer and Alexa! They've already started their training!
Love,
Tara
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Let's Get Down to Business
One very important thing we need to do as soon as possible is figure out who will be running what. As you probably know by now, this race consists of 12 FEARLESS runners each running at 3 different times throughout the race. The distances and difficulty levels are NOT equal for each runner. Because of this, I have included a spreadsheet to help explain a few things. Take note: The race is NOT flexible with swapping legs of the race. For example, runner #1 is required to run leg #1, #13, and #25 and runner #2 is required to run leg #2, #14, and #26 and so on, we can not change this.
To help determine just how easy or difficult each runners total distance will be, I've assigned a point value (as shown) for the level of difficulty and added this number to the number of miles for each leg. On the far right column, the total ranking (or difficulty) for the entire race per runner is shown. The bottom spreadsheet consists of the same numbers but in order of 'easiest' to 'hardest' - take a look and let me know what you think. Does this explain it well enough? What else would you like to know?
Because we have some younger runners (Alexa and Brady) I think we should allow them the option to run the shorter/easier legs of the race if that is their desire. Gary thinks that the men should step up to the plate and offer to run those more difficult/longer distances. Rrrright Gary? Ladies...How do you feel about that?
I will also be posting a recommended training program that Ragnar has offered. You are not required to follow this program, but it will be important to follow SOME training program so as to not DIE during the race! We really don't want anyone to do that. I better brush up on my first aid anyhow just in case eh?
To help determine just how easy or difficult each runners total distance will be, I've assigned a point value (as shown) for the level of difficulty and added this number to the number of miles for each leg. On the far right column, the total ranking (or difficulty) for the entire race per runner is shown. The bottom spreadsheet consists of the same numbers but in order of 'easiest' to 'hardest' - take a look and let me know what you think. Does this explain it well enough? What else would you like to know?
Because we have some younger runners (Alexa and Brady) I think we should allow them the option to run the shorter/easier legs of the race if that is their desire. Gary thinks that the men should step up to the plate and offer to run those more difficult/longer distances. Rrrright Gary? Ladies...How do you feel about that?I will also be posting a recommended training program that Ragnar has offered. You are not required to follow this program, but it will be important to follow SOME training program so as to not DIE during the race! We really don't want anyone to do that. I better brush up on my first aid anyhow just in case eh?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Ragnar?
How they came up with the name of the Relay series.
Ragnar was a 9th century Norse King. He was a pirate, a raider, a conqueror, an explorer, and a wild man. The tough, fearless, rugged attributes of this Norse King are shared by all who participate in a Ragnar Relay. In much the same way, a Ragnar Relay provides runners the freedom to roam, to explore - a free-spirited curiosity to get out there and experience outdoor adventure. And maybe even to conquer. And though tough or rugged may not perfectly describe you, these attributes become a goal - something to strive for.
In a Ragnar Relay the wild nature of this Norse King is embraced by many participants. Participants who aren't afraid to paint their van plaid, to bring along their own hair band, to join together in yelling as they cross the finish line. You may think that you are not one of them, but you are. Everyone has a wild side and nothing brings it out of you like a Ragnar Relay.
Long live the Ragnar in us all!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Welcome Family!!!
How exciting is this?!? The Fears Family all working and training together to run an ENORMOUS distance in what will be one of the most memorable 24 hours of Fears Family HISTORY!
Our hope is that this blog will be a centralized location where we can keep each other excited, motivated and updated on our training goals in spite of the huge distance between us.
Please use this blog to share anything and everything about the experiences you encounter while training for this exciting event! Post pictures, update the family on your latest run, milestones you've achieved, how far you ran, goals you've met, cool running shoes you've discovered, training programs, running questions, etc. We want to hear ALL about it!
In the next couple days, I'll post some additional information about the race including a training program that Ragnar has provided for it's runners if they wish to follow it. I'll also explain more about how this relay race will work and give a detailed explanation of each leg of the race! Until then...put those running shoes on!
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